River Ranch Rodeo: Florida’s Premier Western Experience

Looking for an immersive Western experience the whole family will love? Look no further than the River Ranch Rodeo! Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort, Polk County, an hour south of Orlando and half an hour east of Lake Wales, the River Ranch Rodeo is America’s longest-running Saturday night rodeo, featuring classic contests of cowboy skill like bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, and more. But the rodeo isn’t the only thing River Ranch has to offer. This working dude ranch-cum-luxury glamping resort is the ultimate place to play and stay for the adventurous traveler. So, shine your spurs and dust off your ten-gallon hat, and saddle up for the definitive guide to the River Ranch Rodeo. And stick around to see how you can book your River Ranch retreat with Nook Outdoors.

What Is the River Ranch Rodeo?

Powered by Double K Rodeo, the River Ranch Rodeo has been a weekly tradition since the late 60s, making it the longest-running Saturday night Rodeo in America. Feel the excitement as you climb the bleachers of the 1,200-seat stadium beneath the humming halide lights, file down your row, and wait for the first chute to open. The River Ranch Rodeo brings in the best rodeo athletes from across the region. See these talented contestants compete in a variety of events, including:

• Bull Riding: Will they outlast the timer? Will they make it out alive? Anything can happen in this 8-second test of courage and skill!
• Barrel Racing: Watch as Central Florida’s best riders and their trusty steeds compete for the fastest time!
• Trick Riding: The Standing Hippodrome; the Shoulder Stand; the Cossack Drag – style and danger collide in the River Ranch Rodeo trick riding competition!

In addition to the contests above, the River Ranch Resort Rodeo features a patriotic tribute to America’s armed forces, audience involvement, and other exciting events. The action starts at 7:30 pm, and seating is first come, first served. But don’t worry – gates open at 6:30 pm, so early birds have plenty of time to snag a good seat. Admission is $32.05 for adults, $26.70 for kids ages 5-12, and free for kids under 5. Get your tickets here!

Beyond the Rodeo: The Full Westgate River Ranch Experience

The rodeo is a must for your Saturday evening at River Ranch. But what about the rest of your stay? Nook Outdoors has you covered. We’ve rustled up the resort’s most iconic, most unmissable attractions so you can plan the perfect River Ranch vacation. Here’s a rundown:

• Cowboy Adventure Park: Round up your posse and get ready for hours of affordable family fun at the Cowboy Adventure Park. Activities include rock climbing, zip lining, tractor races, a seasonal pumpkin patch, and more!
• Target Sports: From the air rifle range to the archery range, to trap and skeet shooting, fun is always in your sights at River Ranch.
• Horseback Riding: Your Western vacation wouldn’t be complete without saddling up and hitting the old dusty trail. Join an experienced guide for a 45-minute trail ride through the scrub- and flatlands of River Ranch, complete with scenic views, wildlife spotting, and colorful commentary.
• Airboat Rides and Swamp Buggy Tours: River Ranch promises plenty of immersive Western fun. But if you’re looking for something more regionally authentic, airboat rides and swamp buggy tours are about as Florida as it gets.

Other attractions at River Ranch Resort and Rodeo include an escape room, mini golf, a petting farm, pony rides, tennis courts, guided hunts, a resort-style pool, a river cruise, and more. Best of all, River Ranch makes getting from attraction to attraction a breeze, with golf cart rentals starting at $70/day!

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo Accommodations

Going back to the grind after a night at the rodeo can be hard. One minute, you’re living your Wild West fantasy of bucking bulls and broncos, the next, you’re stuck in traffic on your way to an office cubicle. But the great thing about this Florida rodeo? Going home afterward is optional!

Glamping Accommodations

River Ranch offers a wide range of immersive glamping accommodations, from tents and teepees to Conestoga wagons and rail cars. After the rodeo, just hop in your golf cart, kick off your boots, and wait for the roosters (yep, they’ve got ’em) to ring in another day of adventure.

Here’s a more detailed look at the glamping accommodations at River Ranch Resort and Rodeo:

• Luxe Conestoga Wagon (Sleeps 6): 495-sq-ft covered wagon with electricity, AC, heating, glamping concierge, complimentary golf cart, full bathroom with walk-in shower, luxury linens, and kitchenette.
• Glamping Tent (Sleeps 4): Choose from the Glamping or Luxury Glamping Tent and enjoy electricity, AC, heating, a kitchenette, a full bathroom with walk-in shower, and luxury linens. Luxury Glamping also includes a complimentary golf cart.
• Luxe Teepee (Sleeps 4): At 651 sq ft, the luxe teepee has room for the whole family. Other amenities include a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, a living room, a dining room, a fireplace, a kitchenette, portable heating and AC, concierge services, and a complimentary golf cart.
• Saddle Club Rail Car (Sleeps 6): Climb aboard your very own rail car complete with a living room, dining room, kitchenette, AC and heating, bunk beds, a full bathroom with walk-in shower, and two flat-screen TVs.

Traditional Lodging

Looking for more traditional lodging options? River Ranch Resort also offers lodge rooms, lodge suites, cabins, and cottages!

Get the Full River Ranch Experience with Nook Outdoors

Want to get the full River Ranch experience? You’ll need more than a day. Luckily, Nook Outdoors is here to help you book your stay at River Ranch Resort and Rodeo with ease. Click the link below to see available dates, and book your Wild West getaway today!

Explore More with Nook

Looking for something else? Nook Outdoors is your home for unique accommodations in America’s top outdoor destinations. From boutique hotels to glamping retreats and landscape hotels, you’re sure to find lodging as unique as your needs. Browse our full directory of outdoor accommodations at the link below!